Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj recently shared a light-hearted exchange with teammate Jasprit Bumrah after Bumrah was released from the Test squad, as Siraj stepped up to lead the pace attack.
Siraj Steps Up in England
Mohammed Siraj has been in phenomenal form during the ongoing series between India and England, currently leading the wickets chart with 18 scalps. With Jasprit Bumrah’s absence confirmed for the fifth Test at The Oval, Siraj has taken on the crucial role of spearheading India’s pace attack.
His impressive performance included a four-wicket haul in England’s first innings at The Oval. This achievement made Siraj the first Asian pacer in 29 years to record six or more four-wicket hauls in Tests played in England, breaking a previous record and drawing comparisons to Pakistan’s Waqar Younis.
A Humorous Farewell from Bumrah
Siraj revealed a touching, yet humorous, conversation he had with Bumrah about his departure. “I asked Jassi bhai, ‘Why are you going? Who will I hug when I take five wickets?'” Siraj recounted to BCCI.tv.
Bumrah’s response was reassuring: “He said, ‘I’m here, you take your five wickets!'” This interaction highlights the strong camaraderie among the Indian fast bowlers.
Team India’s Resilient Comeback
After England’s openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, built a solid 92-run partnership, the Indian bowlers showcased remarkable resilience. Led by Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, they managed to restrict England to a first innings total of just 247 runs.
Siraj was instrumental, dismissing key batsmen like Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jacob Bethell. Prasidh Krishna also contributed significantly, claiming the wickets of Zak Crawley, Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, and Gus Atkinson, while Akash Deep removed Ben Duckett.
Siraj’s Mindset and Leadership
Reflecting on the bowling unit’s fightback, Siraj emphasized the importance of accountability. “We made a comeback after such a bad session. As a fast bowler, it feels good to make such a comeback,” he stated.
He added that he enjoys the responsibility and often strategizes with his fellow bowlers. Siraj’s philosophy, ingrained since childhood, is simple: “My only mindset since my childhood is that I should give my 100 percent, whatever the result is.”
Building Trust and Celebrating Success
Prasidh Krishna echoed Siraj’s sentiments on team spirit, highlighting the bond within the bowling unit. “Booms (Bumrah) has been a great part of this,” Krishna shared.
“I think it’s really important for us to enjoy each other’s success, to have that rapport off the field, so when you’re on the field, speaking to each other, you have that trust. Only that is going to make the team better.”
- Mohammed Siraj is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 18 wickets.
- Siraj shared a light-hearted exchange with Jasprit Bumrah upon his departure.
- Siraj became the first Asian pacer in 29 years to achieve six or more four-wicket hauls in Tests in England.
- The Indian bowling unit displayed strong resilience to restrict England’s scoring.
- Team India’s pacers prioritize camaraderie and mutual support.
The focus for Siraj and the team remains on securing a victory, which he considers the ultimate highlight.
